VAUXHALL CORSA GSi BACK AFTER 25-YEAR HIATUS

GSi model returns to range as swift and agile contender in supermini market.

Continues Insignia GSi’s ‘performance through dynamics’ theme started this year.

Sports chassis from Corsa VXR

Sharp, clean design with plenty of sporting cues.

Luton – After a quarter-century in the British market, Vauxhall’s evergreen Corsa will return in GSi guise this year, reinforcing the ‘performance through dynamics’ theme adopted by the recently launched Insignia GSi.

Available to order later this year, the Corsa GSi will take the key chassis and design elements from the current Corsa VXR model to create an agile and purposeful driver’s car, but with all the space and efficiency of the regular model.

The Corsa GSi uses the sporty three-door body, with a raft of exterior design cues to set it apart from the regular car. Large air intakes and a honeycomb grille dominate the front of the car, while deep sill extensions and carbon-trimmed features adorn its flanks. At the rear, a deep rear spoiler not only defines the GSi aesthetically, but also provides downforce to hunker down the rear suspension at higher speeds. A chrome tailpipe completes the look.

Inside, leather Recaro seats allow drivers to sit low in the car, and close to the action. A leather sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals continue the GSi theme. And as with most other Corsas, the GSi comes with Vauxhall’s IntelliLink infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels, the Corsa GSi takes its suspension and brakes – with red-painted calipers - from the current 210PS Corsa VXR. The firmer springs and competition-tuned dampers offer tight control of the body at high speeds, and exceptional levels of grip in wet and dry conditions.

More information about the new Corsa GSi will be available later in the year when order books open.

1993 Corsa GSi 1.6 16v

While the earlier 1983-1993 Vauxhall Nova spawned a 1.6 GTE performance model, it wasn’t until the launch of the original Corsa in 1993 that the GSi moniker was used – but only for a very short period. Powered by a 16-valve, double-overhead cam 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 105bhp at 6,000rpm, the GSi would sprint to 60mph in 9.2 seconds, and on to a 121mph top speed. A five-speed gearbox, firmer suspension, bigger brakes and wider tyres turned the little Corsa into one of the very first ‘pocket rockets’.